Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey - podcast cover

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

Laura Birek, Shanna Mickobigfatpositivepodcast.com
Big Fat Positive is a smart and funny podcast about two best friends who found out they were pregnant at the same time. The show follows the moms-to-be on their journey through pregnancy and into new motherhood, week by week. With weekly check-ins, special guests and segments such as "OMG I’m Freaking Out," hosts Shanna Micko & Laura Birek recount the often hilarious and always honest highs and lows of being a pregnant woman and new mom..

Episodes

Ep. 109: Is My Toddler Getting Enough Exercise?

In the segment “OMG I’m Freaking Out,” Laura bugs out about a creepy-crawly situation, and Shanna worries that her toddler and preschooler are not staying active enough during quarantine. Also, Shanna reports on her quest to get her toddler’s eczema under control, and Laura discusses rotating her toddler’s toys in and out. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 18 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 17 months old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatposit...

Aug 03, 202058 min

Ep. 108: When Setting Toddler Limits Feels Limitless

In the brand new segment “Throwback,” Shanna and Laura tell stories from their own childhoods about fake curls and fake friends, and they reflect on how those situations influence their parenting today. Also, Laura talks about the exhaustion that comes from constantly setting limits with her toddler, and Shanna reports on her toddler’s increased independence and over-the-top tantrums. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 18 months old, and Laura’s toddler is...

Jul 27, 202057 min

Ep. 107: The Struggles and Snuggles of Toddler Separation Anxiety

Shanna talks about the ups and downs involved in her toddler’s most recent bouts of separation anxiety and sleep regression. Laura reports on her toddler’s new ability to retell his favorite books and their fun adventure playing in the river in Fresno. In the special segment, “It Takes a Village,” Laura and Shanna ask for listener help with their latest parenting conundrums, including bedtime tantrums and boring mealtimes. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler i...

Jul 20, 202052 min

Ep. 106: Why Is My Toddler Screaming?

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Laura and Shanna consult the internet for answers to their latest parenting conundrums, including unusual toddler injuries, soup, race horses and pop stars. Also, Laura reports on her toddler’s hilarious new habit of talking in his sleep, and Shanna bemoans her toddler’s new obsession with screaming at the top of her lungs. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 18 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 17 months ...

Jul 13, 20201 hr 2 min

Bonus: How to Stay Calm in the Chaos of COVID-19

In part nine of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, Shanna and Laura interview meditation expert, IVF warrior and mother of five Josephine Atluri, who shares her wisdom about how to find your calm in the swirl of coronavirus chaos. She explains the importance of self-care and taking time to breathe, she gives tips on how to stay centered while parenting during the pandemic, and she offers advice to people whose fertility journeys have been delayed or derailed by COVID-19. Also, Shan...

Jul 09, 20201 hr 2 min

Ep. 105: Bizarre Experiences Only a Parent Would Have

Laura and Shanna explore the topics of bodily fluids, bugs and poisonous plants in this week’s special segment, “Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition.” Also, Shanna talks about how her toddler has started expressing strong preferences that are sometimes comical and offensive, and Laura discusses her toddler’s budding ability to make connections and mimic feline behavior. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 17 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 17 months old...

Jul 06, 202054 min

Ep. 104: Does Birth Order Influence Personality?

Shanna and Laura go head-to-head in another exciting round of “Stump the New Mom,” in which they dive into pregnancy brain, birth rates and more. Also, Shanna questions whether her 17-month-old’s personality is affected by her role as second child, and Laura talks about her toddler’s new daredevil tricks in the living room and the rule she’s enacted to prevent his bodily harm. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 17 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 16 mont...

Jun 29, 202050 min

Ep. 103: Our Mom Instincts Saved Lives

In the segment “Mom Wins,” Laura and Shanna each tell a harrowing tale of how they used their mom instincts to save their babies. They also share some lighter and more hilarious mom wins that they have had recently. Also, Laura reports on her toddler’s new climbing skills, and Shanna talks about her pediatrician’s advice about cutting dairy from her toddler’s diet. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 17 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 16 months old. This...

Jun 22, 202047 min

Ep. 102: Tips for Toddler Mealtime

Laura reports on her recent use of Ellyn Satter’s philosophy of feeding children and talks about the effect it’s had on her vegetable-ignoring toddler. Shanna discusses her 17-month-old’s newfound assertiveness and sound-effect skills that indicate her toddler may have a future as a foley artist. Also, in the segment “Today I Learned,” Shanna and Laura share some fun facts about vaginas, royal births and kangaroos. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 17 mon...

Jun 15, 202059 min

Ep. 101: Our Deep, Dark Mom Secrets

In the segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna divulge some of their deepest, darkest, most hilarious mom secrets. Also Laura talks about her son’s recent run-in with a coffee table (literally), and Shanna reports on her efforts to cure her daughter’s eczema. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 17 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 16 months old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-101/ | Get social - Instagram - https://www...

Jun 08, 202053 min

Bonus: Dads Tell All - Part 2

Laura and Shanna continue the conversation with their husbands Corey and Steve in this special bonus episode that continues where Episode 100 left off! Steve and Corey answer more listener questions and talk about the challenges of fathering a newborn, parenting books and more. They also spill the dirt on Shanna and Laura’s biggest quirks! This episode's show notes - http://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/bonus-dads-tell-all-part-2 | Get social - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bfppodcast/ | Fac...

Jun 05, 202024 min

Ep. 100: Dads Tell All!

Shanna and Laura celebrate their 100th episode by bringing their husbands on the show to answer listener questions! Laura’s husband Corey and Shanna’s husband Steve reveal their “Dad Confessions,” give advice for first-time dads, discuss their favorite parenting books and more. Also, Shanna reports on cutting dairy from her toddler’s diet, and Laura talks about her dramatic efforts to replace her toddler’s lovey. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 16 month...

Jun 01, 20201 hr 9 min

Ep. 99: First Trimester Flashbacks

In this week’s special segment, “Gripe Water,” Laura and Shanna vent about ridiculously inappropriate nursery rhymes, toddler eating habits and more. Also, Laura reports on her toddler’s recent development in gross motor skills, including spinning and dancing, and Shanna talks about her toddler’s recent development in fine motor skills, including sorting shapes and fastening buckles. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 16 months old, and Laura’s toddler is ...

May 25, 202051 min

Bonus: To Socialize or Not to Socialize (At a Distance)

In part eight of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, Laura wonders if it’s time to start expanding her family’s quarantine bubble, and Shanna reports on the more superficial self-care routines that are brightening her ongoing lockdown. They also include listener stories about celebrating their babies’ first birthdays and first steps during this pandemic. They also share several BFPs that have arisen amidst the chaos of the last week. It’s been 10 weeks since the coronavirus pandemic...

May 22, 202041 min

Ep. 98: Toddlers Are More Than Their Tantrums

Shanna and Laura discuss toxic plants, embryo mix-up, wacky Facebook advice and creepy hackers in this week’s segment, “Internet Insanity.” Also, Laura reports on her 15-month-old’s shocking breastfeeding behavior, and Shanna reflects on her 16-month-old’s recent stormy behavior. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 16 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 15 months old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-98/ | Get social - Instagr...

May 18, 202047 min

Ep. 97: Laura's Baby Said What!?

In this week’s segment “They Said What?!,” Laura and Shanna talk sweeping membranes, pouches, White Claw and more. Also, Shanna discusses her 16-month-old’s recent bout with roseola, and Laura gives an update on her 15-month-old’s vaccinations at his well-baby checkup. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 16 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 15 months old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositivepodcast.com/ep-97/ | Get social - Instagram - https:...

May 11, 202059 min

Bonus: DIY Haircuts and Giving Birth Alone: Coronavirus Made Us Do It

In part seven of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, Shanna reports on her quarantine haircut and how sheltering in place with her kids has made her desperate for alone time, and Laura describes how outside time with her toddler has been crucial in getting through the long days. They also include more listener stories about what parenting is like during this pandemic, including one story about a mom whose birth plan was turned so upside down by the pandemic that she gave birth alone...

May 07, 202056 min

Ep. 96: Dealing with Big Toddler Emotions

Shanna and Laura get to the bottom of night terrors, prune juice and more in this week’s special segment, “What I Googled This Week.” Also Laura talks about her recent success using the RIE parenting method that she read about in Janet Landsbury’s book, “No Bad Kids,” and Shanna discloses her strategy for finally getting her 15-month-old down to one nap a day. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 15 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 14 months old. This epis...

May 04, 202053 min

Ep. 95: In the Yuck Zone

In the special segment “Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition,” Laura and Shanna reveal their deepest, darkest, mom secrets about boobs, profanities, books and fanny packs. Also Shanna talks about the difficulty in transitioning her toddler to one nap a day, and Laura discusses her toddler’s new sign language communication skills. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 15 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 14 months old. This episode's show notes - https://bigf...

Apr 27, 202051 min

Bonus: Socially Distanced Well-Baby Checkups and More Listener Stories

Laura describes what it’s like to go to a well-baby checkup at the doctor’s office during the coronavirus pandemic, and Shanna gives an update on her COVID-19 antibody test in part six of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, where they come to you in real time to give an update on how they are dealing with the coronavirus upheaval. They also include more listener stories from around the world about what parenting is like during this pandemic. It’s been six weeks since the coronavirus...

Apr 23, 202052 min

Ep. 94: Talking Toddlers and Speedy Sperm

In the special segment “Stump the New Mom,” Shanna and Laura go head-to-head in another exciting round of parenting-related trivia, where they discover what the terms “hot-house children” and “piki piki” mean. Also, Laura talks about her toddler’s new utensil and communication skills, and Shanna discusses her toddler’s surprising jealousy and head-banging. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 15 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 14 months old. This episode'...

Apr 20, 202056 min

Bonus: How Does COVID-19 Affect Pregnant Women and Newborns?

In part five of their “Momming During Coronavirus” bonus series, Shanna and Laura interview neonatologists Dr. Diana Montoya-Williams and Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie about how COVID-19 is affecting newborn babies and pregnant women. The doctors answer all of Laura and Shanna’s burning questions about the novel coronavirus, including whether newborns are at risk for contracting the disease, what pregnant mothers can expect when they go into labor during this time, whether moms-to-be should consider...

Apr 16, 202040 min

Ep. 93: Toddlers Hyped on Sugar and iPhones

In the special segment “Today I Learned,” Laura and Shanna dive into the world of geriatric pregnancy, lifelike baby dolls and the belief that sugar makes kids hyper. Also, Shanna talks about her toddler’s foray into the world of crunchy food, and Laura discusses her son’s newest interest -- looking at photos of himself on the phone. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 15 months, and Laura’s toddler is 13 months and three weeks old. This episode's show note...

Apr 13, 202046 min

Bonus: Your Coronavirus Quarantine Stories

Laura and Shanna talk sanitizing groceries, homemade face masks, quarantine haircuts, failed kids’ activities and more in part four of their "Momming During Coronavirus" bonus series, where they come to you in real time to give an update on how they are dealing with the coronavirus upheaval. They also include listener stories from around the world about what parenting is like during this pandemic. It’s been four weeks since the coronavirus pandemic has turned Laura and Shanna’s lives upside down...

Apr 10, 202053 min

Ep. 92: Toddler Tantrums and Ninja-Like Mom Moves

Shanna talks about her toddler’s first tantrum (which was over the silliest, toddler-iest issue ever), and Laura admits a “mom fail” she recently had with her toddler. Also, in the special segment “Mom Wins!,” Laura and Shanna celebrate the parenting achievements they’ve had recently, including some heavy loads, free sandwiches and a death-defying ninja move. Finally, they reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 14 months and three weeks old, and Laura’s toddler is 13 months...

Apr 06, 20201 hr 3 min

Ep. 91: Dropping Naps and Picking Up Babies

Transitioning a toddler from two naps to one is a daunting task, and this week Laura and Shanna discuss their attempts at dropping the second nap. They also talk about the RIE approach to picking up babies and how quickly a parent can become accustomed to the seemingly bizarre practice. Also, in the special segment “Big Topic,” Shanna and Laura dive into self-care, which can easily take a back seat once children enter the picture. The new moms ask themselves how they are succeeding and failing a...

Mar 30, 202055 min

Bonus: Alone Together: Sheltering in Place with Children

It’s been two weeks since the coronavirus pandemic has turned Laura and Shanna’s lives upside down, and the spread of COVID-19 has shut down schools, workplaces, and all non-essential businesses in Los Angeles, where Shanna and Laura live, and in part three of their "Momming During Coronavirus" bonus series, they come to you in real time to give an update on how they are dealing with the upheaval. They also interview Ayelet Marinovich, founder of Learn With Less, about how parents can interact w...

Mar 26, 20201 hr 1 min

Ep. 90: Toddlers on the Run

In the special segment “It Takes a Village,” Laura and Shanna ask each other and listeners for help with parenting dilemmas they are currently facing. Also, Shanna talks about her toddler’s recent word explosion, and Laura discusses her toddler’s progress toward dropping down to one nap a day. Finally, the moms reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 14 months and one week old, and Laura’s toddler is 13 months and 2 weeks old. This episode's show notes - https://bigfatpositi...

Mar 23, 202042 min

Bonus: Quarantine with Kids

In part two of their "Momming During Coronavirus" bonus series, Shanna and Laura come to you again in real time to give an update on how they are dealing with the quarantine. It’s been one week since the coronavirus pandemic has turned their lives upside down, and the spread of COVID-19 has shut down schools, workplaces, large events and more in Los Angeles, where Shanna and Laura live, and they discuss what it’s like to be a mom while practicing social distancing, sheltering in place and workin...

Mar 20, 202031 min

Ep. 89: Baby Bronchitis Is a B*tch

Shanna talks about one of her hardest days parenting ever when her 14-month-old daughter becomes sick, and Laura makes Shanna jealous AF with the free childcare and date nights she’s had this week. Also, in the segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna admit the amusingly scandalous parenting moves they’ve made recently. Finally, the moms reveal their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s toddler is 14 months old, and Laura’s toddler is 13 months and 1 week old. This episode's show notes - http...

Mar 16, 20201 hr 1 min